R Ashwin to feature in this T20 league after retiring from IPL

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last December and from the IPL last week, has expressed interest in featuring in the fourth season of the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20). According to Cricbuzz, Ashwin is in talks with the league organisers and is expected to register for the player auction, scheduled for September 30 in Dubai. The UAE league will run from December 2 to January 4 next year, with September 10 as the last date for auction enrolment. “Yes, I am in talks with the organisers. Hopefully, I will have a buyer if I register for the auction,” Ashwin told Cricbuzz, confirming his interest. If picked, Ashwin would become the biggest name from Indian cricket to feature in the ILT20, now in its fourth season. Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan have previously played in the league, while Ambati Rayudu represented MI Emirates in eight matches. Ashwin brings an extensive T20 resume, having featured in 221 IPL matches across five franchises. He played for Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Across all IPL seasons, he claimed 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.2, making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the league. He also scored 833 runs at a strike rate of 118, including one fifty, and captained Punjab Kings during his stint. The 38-year-old spinner has previously expressed interest in playing in foreign leagues. Reports suggest he may also feature in Major League Cricket in the US and The Hundred in England next year, potentially taking on player-cum-coach roles. Ashwin’s decision to join the ILT20 comes after a challenging IPL 2025 season where CSK finished at the bottom of the table. In nine matches, he picked only seven wickets at an economy rate of 9.13 and was at times left out of the playing XI. Despite this, his experience and pedigree make him a high-profile addition to the UAE league.